5 facts everyone should know about Mangroves
To celebrate this year’s International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, learn more about these unique trees, why they are important, and what you can do to protect their ecosystems here in Pinellas County.
Photo Credit: Carlton Ward
1. Mangroves store more carbon than terrestrial forests
Although mangroves can help us battle the effects of climate change, these trees can also help mitigate its causes. Mangroves have the ability to absorb more carbon than any other ecosystem on Earth. A patch of mangroves could take as much as 10 times the carbon of a similarly sized patch of terrestrial forest.
2. Mangroves are hotspots for biodiversity
These coastal forests are biodiversity superstars, providing a habitat for 341 threatened species over the world. In Florida, endangered species like the manatee, hawksbill sea turtle, and small-tooth sawfish rely on these ecosystems at some point in their life cycle.
3. Not all Mangroves are the same
When kayaking through Florida’s waterways, you might think that all mangroves are the same. However, these trees are not a single species. There are more than 60 different species of mangroves, ranging in various sizes. Around Florida, you will be able to find three native mangrove species: red, black, and white.
4. Mangroves can help keep our communities safe
Mangroves are often admired because of their aerial roots and canopy structures. But they are more important than you might realize. These coastal forests can break up the force of a storm surge and also help to reduce erosion during extreme weather events such as hurricanes. With the risk of storms increasing, mangrove ecosystems are extremely valuable to our communities, especially in Florida.
5. Their roots act as a natural filtration system
One of the most unique aspects of mangroves is their ability to survive in high-salinity environments. These salty trees survive by filtering up to 90% of the salt out of seawater when it enters their roots.
Our Solution:
With their extensive root systems acting as a barrier, mangroves often trap litter from entering the waterways. However, this comes at a high cost to their ecosystems. The continued accumulation of trash can endanger not only these forests but also the ecological and human communities that depend on them. So, what can we do to help?
Along with reducing single-use plastics, you can make a difference by getting involved in a cleanup or helping with a shoreline restoration project. At Keep Pinellas Beautiful, restoring the environmental health of our communities is at the heart of our mission. We offer a variety of opportunities for you to get involved in the conservation of mangroves through cleanups, shoreline restorations, and native plantings. By engaging the public, we can help ensure a healthier future for mangrove ecosystems.